Lightweight Materials for Automotive Applications: Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys

To mitigate climate change and environmental protection industries have been putting emphasis on reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The transportation industry is one of the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The European Union has set targets of 20% reduction in GHG by 2020 compared with 1990 levels. In order to meet the rigorous requirements for more desirable fuel efficiency and emission control, there is an emerging trend to deploy Al and Mg alloys in place of usual steels and cast irons in automobiles. These materials (Al and Mg) are however, more expensive than the steels and cast irons. Cast aluminium and magnesium components compared with cast irons and steel are potentially less expensive to produce because of their ease of machining and reduced manufacturing cycle times. Wrought aluminium and magnesium components as compared with their ferrous counterparts are more expensive to produce. This article compares the uses of aluminium and magnesium alloys as substitutes for steels, cast irons for applications in the automotive industry.